Animals that are born in captivity often never get the chance to experience life the same way they would have if they were born in the wild.

That was the case for this specific lion. After being born in captivity, he spent 13 years imprisoned in a circus. When he wasn’t performing he was kept in a small cage that prevented him from being able to move around.

When he was rescued and brought to the animal sanctuary he finally had the opportunity to touch dirt and grass for the very first time.

What seems like something so simple to us, was what this lion had been waiting for his whole life. His reaction to the earth and to his newfound freedom touched everyone who was there to witness it. Although he was in captivity too long to be released into the wild, the workers at the sanctuary will make sure that this lion enjoys the rest of his life.

If you were as touched by this amazing story as I was – SHARE the love and pass it on!